Do I have to have experience directing?
Not at all! We do require that you’ve participated in two SPT shows so
that we know that you have an understanding of how our shows are put
together and what will be expected from you as a director. Other than
that, all you need is to be enthusiastic, feel that you have a fresh
take on a show, and are ready to put in the time and effort!
If you are a first time director, and a little unsure if you are up
to the job alone, consider co-directing or assistant directing!

I want to direct! Now what?
SPT meetings occur more than just twice a year but there are two
specific meetings where shows for the following year are decided. During
one of these two meetings aspiring directors need to submit a proposal.
Proposals are made a year prior to the proposed show dates. (For
example, if you want to direct a show in the Spring of 2009, the
proposal must be made at the Spring 2008 meeting.) Once all the
proposals is submitted, the troupe as a whole votes on the shows that
they want.
Also, take a look at the Director’s Bible. Not only does it give you
insight to what past directors have done, but it will undoubtedly give
you some tips and advice.

What is a Proposal?
The basic idea behind the proposal is to show the troupe that you’ve
given some thought to your show. Below are some general proposal
requirements. Remember: a lot of time in required to be a director. So
if you plan on taking Intensive Japanese, Organic Chemistry, and that
class at Swat during the semester you want to direct, you might want to
rethink your plans.
GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:
– The show title and a brief summary.
– If the play isn’t by Shakespeare, who is the author? When was the play written? How does it fit the Troupe aesthetic?
– Cast size. How many parts do you have? How many actors are you planning to cast?
– Length of the show. Are you planning to cut the script? Have you done it yet? How long are you intending the show to run?
– Location. Where on campus would you like to perform? Is it going to be hard to reserve?
– What is your schedule looking like during the semester of the show?
– What do you plan to do with the show? What is your concept? Is there
going to be intensive costuming? What is the budget looking like?
– Why do you want to direct?
You should probably have an answer to all of these questions. Also be
ready to answer an other question asked by the troupe. The Proposal
will be available for comment on the site, so keep your eyes peeled so
as to be able to answer them as they appear.

What do I do if I’m JYA/semester off/not on campus?
It is a little bit more complicated, but completely doable. Just as if
you were on campus, you must make a proposal to the troupe during one of
the aforesaid meetings. While we are still working out the kinks of
submitting a proposal during your JYA, here is what we have come up so
far to make the smoothest proposal from afar possible:

FIND A PROXY:
The job of the proxy is to make your Proposal during the meeting.
Perhaps the best person for the job is someone already connected to the
show, such as your desired Stage Manager. Your proxy needs to be able to
not only give your proposal, but also answer any questions that could
arise.

So many thanks to be given. Especially thanks to Diane Gibfried for
all her work in t-shirt design and cookie making!! Also thanks to the
audience for continuously supporting our small, but worthy, troupe!!

The ComediesLove’s Labour’s LostThe Comedy of ErrorsThe Two Gentlemen of VeronaThe Merchant of VeniceThe Taming of the ShrewThe Merry Wives of WindsorMuch Ado About NothingAs You Like ItTwelfth NightA Midsummer Night’s DreamAll’s Well That Ends WellMeasure for MeasurePericles*Cymbeline*The Winter’s Tale*The Tempest*
*Sometimes classified as Romances, these plays are here counted among
the Comedies due to their uneven poetic values, unbelievable plot
lines, shallow characterizations, and juvenile themes. They are among
the Bard’s greatest works.

The TragediesTitus AndronicusRomeo and JulietJulius CaesarTroilus and CressidaOthelloKing LearMacBethAntony and CleopatraTimon of AthensCoriolanusHamlet

We would like to thank the following groups and people for their
donations to and assistance in this production: The BMC Drama Dept., The
UHS Music Dept., Martin Reber, Lindsay Gold, Helen Rehl, Geoff Wells,
Mr. Deacon, Claudia Ginanni, Anna Blinn, Gwen Bihl, Katie Rutledge, BMC
Public Safety

We would like to thank the following groups and people for their
donations to and assistance in this production: Hiroshi Iwasaki &
the BMC Drama Dept, the office of Conferences & Events, BMC Public
Safety

We would especially like to thank: Hiroshi Iwasaki and the BMC Drama
Dept., Karyn Roark, Russell Taylor, Helene Studdy, Conferences and
Events, SFC, BMC Public Safety, and HITT. Your support and assistance
were invaluable.

We would like to thank the following groups and people for their
donations to and assistance in this production: Hiroshi Iwasaki &
the BMC Drama Dept; the office of Conferences & Events; BMC Public
Safety; Martin & Sandy Reber for all their help in construction of
the bed.

We would like to thank the following groups and people for their
donations to and assistance in this production: Allan and Sheila Friday
for the electric drills; the presidents, HAs, residents, and housekeeper
of Erdman; Tom Reber for his invaluable help with constructing the set,
and for taking photos; Martin Reber for filming the show; HITT/Hiroshi
Iwasaki for the light stands and extra lights; Bryn Mawr Conferences
& Events.

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO ACT?
Never fear! As a completely student run organization, we need students
to be a part of all aspects of a production! That means we are always in
need of: stage managers, costumers, lighting and sound, run crew, house
managers, ushers, publicity/programs, and more.

WHEN ARE AUDITIONS HELD?
Auditions are held at the beginning of every semester. There is no fixed
date for auditions, so you need to keep your eyes peeled for flyers,
e-mails, and the like. Being cast one semester does not guarantee you a
part the following semester.

HOW DO AUDITIONS WORK?
It’s really easy! Generally auditions run for three evenings and
advanced sign up isn’t required. All you need to do is show up, fill out
an audition form, and read one monologue and one dialogue. You don’t
even have to bring a partner and you don’t have to memorize anything.

Additional instructions will be provided at the auditions.

HOW DO I DIRECT?
To be eligible to direct, you need to have been involved in at least two Troupe shows. For more information about directing click here.

Bryn Mawr’s Shakespeare Performance Troupe is a student run and
organized theater troupe devoted to the Bard and his contemporaries.
Shakespeare Performance Troupe (commonly known as SPT) puts on either one
or two shows a semester.

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Donate to SPT

Photos from Past Productions

About Us

We are Bryn Mawr College's student theater group dedicated to performing the works of William Shakespeare and other dramatic works related to the Shakespeare canon. We perform at least one play each semester, and all productions are entirely student run.